Miami Nights

This Thursday, June 26th, Genart will be presenting is wildly popular Shop Miami 2008. Last year our own Lady Wrangler attended the event and had good things to say, except the liquor choice. me, I'm not so picky when it comes to free liquor. So whether it's 10 Cane rum or Grey Goose as long as there's no price tag I'm well and good. Shop Miami takes place Thursday June 26th starting at 6pm with the VIP Private Pre-Sale event, which means if your a VIP you get first dibs on the fashion wears. If your a regular schmo like we are here at MN then you have to wait till 7pm to get your hands on the sloppy seconds. Tickets will set you back a measly $10 in advance and $20 at the door but that includes open bar and unique fashion. The Moore building is located at 4040 Northeast 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33137. DJ Induce from Poplife will be providing the tunes for the evening. For more info click here.

So I usually get my hair cut at Contesta Rock Hair on the Beach, but shit if I don't hate having to drive over the causeway, find parking and walk (usually hungover) several blocks to Espanola Way. So when an e-mailed popped up in my inbox from salon owner/stylist Danny Dillon asking us to check out his salon, Shampology, in the Design District I thought "Why not?" I needed a haircut, badly. I had neglected to cut my hair for a while because of all the moving around I had recently done and the new job I started. Plus, it was the Design District, just 5 minutes from where I live and that meant I didn't have to drive to the Beach.

The salon is tucked away in one of the many indoor retail spaces far away from street view that if you didn't know it was located there you'd completely miss it. The salon itself is modern looking yet warm enough that it's inviting, but I couldn't help but notice how empty it was. The salon basically consists of Dillon and his assistant, which I don't mind; I hate loud and busy salons. However, I had to ask Dillon if he is able to get any business this way, but he insist that he works mostly on referral service and faithful clientel.

There is no doubt that Dillon is a talented stylist, he worked for several years at Ego Trip Salon in Miami Beach, often considered one of the best, if not the best salon, in Miami. Normally stylist cut my hair in 10 to 15 minutes, quickly rushing me out of the chair for the next client. I hate feeling of being rushed and so it was great to see that Dillon did not rush the appointment, in fact he took the time to talk to me about exactly what I wanted, cut my hair meticulously and even gave me tips on styling and hair maintenance.

So if you are looking for a great one-on-one consultation and cut, definitely check out Shampology and call 305-576-1530 for an appointment. The salon is located at 180 NE 39th St., Design District, with free valet parking across the street at Brosia -- take that South Beach!

Everyone's favorite Design District boutique Rag Trade is for sale. Why? Owner Stephanie Spiegel is moving to Israel to live on an organic farm. Um, yeah. Anywho, its selling for $20,000, but Spiegel would also consider any investors. I know a lot of people who would die if this place ends up closing down, so some please save Rag Trade from extinction.

I leave you with an interview Plum Miami Beach did with Spiegel about two weeks ago. She talks about the store and its vintage goods.

This is too good to be true! Could SoHo Lounge's days be numbered? Someone please tell me this is acuatlly going to happen! There is no denying SoHo boasts an impressive space that with a little remodeling and the right management could help it return to the top of the mainland nightlife scene. 

Cocktails Anyone? @ Domo Japones is a new Thursday night dinner and drink experience. We have seen this before with places like Cielo, O Asian Grill, Grass and Santos. I have only personally done the dinner and party thing once at Santos and that was ages ago. I prefer just arriving when the drinks and music is thumping already, but that's just me. Restaurants wouldn't be doing this kinda thing if there wasn't some kind of ROI involved.

Anyhow, the launch is this Thursday and will be there every Thursday there after. The dinner event is being co-produced by Plum TV, Eater.com, Revolver, Jake Jefferson, Xavier Burt & Rebecca Mandelman. Some familiar names with the "scene" in there so you can expect some tight jeans and colorful hoodies in the mix. DJ Induce will be pouring the musical libations for the evening. You can check out a video of Domo on You Tube by clicking here (Note: The video shows nothing of the venue. They might wanna do something about that).

Domo Japones
4000 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Design District
305.573.5474

Dammit, my Art Basel curse continues as I couldn't make it out last night because of work. I'm scrambling to finish it today so I have my weekend free. I really wanted to go to Basel today but that definitely isn't going to happen. So let me cry my sorrows away as I tell you what to do tonight.

Sweat Records presents Pink Candy Disko tonight at Studio A. The party will feature live performances by Ariel Pink, Dino Felipe and Awesome New Republic. However the most exciting act is probably Glass Candy, an up-and-coming act from the Italians Do It Better label that seems to be the new "it" band with bloggers. The Deuce Crew as well will be on hand to keep you dancing.

The Italians Do It Better label will also be holding it down at PS14 where label founder Mike Simonetti will be spinning is italo-disco all night long along with resident DJs Matt Cash and Plot. You can get in free if you have a wristband from the Pink Candy Disko event, otherwise it will only cost you $5.

The lovely New York scene-stress and fashionista Roxy Cottontail was here last month partying it up in PS14. Tonight she goes for the upgrade when she will be at Cameo, when the venue jumps on the hipster bandwagon, even if it is for just a night. If you haven't heard, Miami's very own Jake Jefferson (Money Shot, Poplife) produced her new track "Kate Moss", so give it a listen. I presume she'll be performing live, but the flier is unclear. For all those who aren't fans of bed-hair and skinny jeans, fret not, DJ Irie will be there to keeping things Top 40.

At Circa28, Miami legends the Spam All-Stars will be performing live along with Afrobeta, Elastic Bond and Jay Meletiche.

Tonight is also Gen Art's Vanguard official party at the Palm Court, 309 23rd St., Miami Beach. Tickets are $20 at the door, but Gen Art events always have free drinks so it's probably worth it. Oh and there's art of course by artists such as Alex Gross, Dennis Hayes IV, Johnny Robles, Kathie Olivas and more. Local artist Lebo will also be doing a solo exhibition showcasing all new works, so check it out.

Zune hosts tonight photographer Jeremy Kost at Rokbar from 8 to 10 p.m. Afterwards. Purple & Wow Magazine will take over hosting duties with DJs Olympia Le Tan, Paul Sevigny, Stunners International, Leo Fitzpatrick and Lissy Trullie.

Official Art Basel event Concrete Waves continues tonight with DJ Tanton from 6 to 11 p.m. on Collins Park Beach between 21st and 22nd Streets.

And if you are looking to do something more intellectual free tickets are available at Art Basel information desks for the Art Loves Architecture event happening tonight from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at the Colony Theater. The evening will honor Herzog & de Meuron Architects (designers of the new MAM building).

Tonight I will be at the MSTRKRFT event at Pawn Shop which B.A.C. posted about already. I can't wait to get out and do something for a change! Anyway, feel free to comment about any events I might have missed.

So my Art Basel week started out a bust. No, I didn't encounter any crappy artwork -- I wish I had seen any art. Yea, I fell asleep on my couch while switching back between reruns of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Project Runway. If you must know, I'm rooting for Elisa because I have a soft spot for clinically insane people. Anyway, tonight I promise I will go out and do some actually coverage -- wait I think there is a new episode of 30 Rock, so maybe after that. But I won't fall asleep this time, I swear. So gear up, because these are the things to do tonight!

SCOPE Miami Art Fair's opening party is going down tonight at Opium Garden. B.A.C. and myself went last year when they held it right at Roberto Clemente Park and all I've got to say that it was awesome. So I have high expectations this year and hope not to be disappointed. Ray Milian (Off the Radar), DJ Busquelo and Candela All-Stars will provide the soundtrack, while Grey Groose and Grolsch provide the drinks.

Bronques (Last Nights Party) returns to Set after an exhaustive documentation of the debauchery that happens at the Black Lipstick party upstairs every Thursday which culminated into beautifully shot ads for the Opium Group. So get on it and bring out your inner whore for Bronques. His first Art Basel set so far has some bush and a skank. Come on Miami, I know you can do better than that.

Missed Daedelus last night at White Room? Head over to the Upper Eastside Garden, 7244 Biscayne Blvd., where for $10 you can drink until your heart's content courtsey of Generators, WVUM, Dublab, WPS1.org Art Radio. Also along for the ride is High Places, Matt Cash (Loop, Poplife) and Plot.

Wandering around Wynwood? Stop by Circa28 where Mark Leventhal will keep the best area venue thumping until the wee hours.

Right across from Lackner's crack den is the Aquabooty Warehouse, 74 NE 17th St., (which I found myself at once at 6 a.m., long story), and it where the Aquabooty boys will be hosting There Once Was an Octopus from Nantucket... art installations by BASK and Sarah Gail Hutcherson. Opening reception is tonight from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Supermarket Creative and Gorillas bring you the Seyhoun Art Gallery's 10 Cane cocktail reception at Power Studios, 3701 NE 2nd Ave., Design District. The Ruff Club Kids and Johnny the Boy will be spinning during the event which goes from 7 to 11 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres by Bond St. Artists exhibiting include Mostafa Darehbaghi, Hessam Abrishami, Goli Mahalatti, Mohsen Khalili and Ramin Haerizadeh.

Also, tonight Concrete Waves continues at Collins Park Beach, between 21st and 22nd Streets with DJ Keen One and open air cinema and WPS1.org Art Radio broadcasts. This official Art Basel event is open to the public.

And if you must sneak into an Basel event tonight, try to get into the VIP-only Russia Miami 2007, an exhibit of contemporary Russian culture at the Collins Building, 139 NE 39 St., Design District. It will be open to the public the following day, but it's more fun crashing the opening night, no?

Again, feel free to post any other events in the comments that I may have left out! Do it to it people! 

Stuff has been going on already, some of the satellite fair are up and running, champagne has been poppin' at parties and the world's art elite has descended upon the Magic City. What have I done so far? Diddily squat! Alas, today I start what should be an endless week of schmoozing and rubbing elbows (gross) with a who's who of artists, collectors, gallery owners and so forth. So let's get this shit started and here are the places I think are worth a visit tonight:

Art Positions and Concrete Waves opens tonight at Collins Beach Park between 21st and 22nd Streets. Art Loves Music kicks off the festivities with a free concert by Iggy and the Stooges. I keep my mouth shut about the Stooges since last time I said something negative, it brought out the Cuban exile in everyone. Yea, no one is allowed to have an opinion in this city. And yes, this is an official Art Basel sponsored event.

Downtown's (well, Overtown really) newest venue White Room hosts DJ Language and Daedelus. The event, sponsored by Poplife and WVUM 90.5 will feature a pre-screening of the film Fox Home Entertainment's Once, winner of this year's Sundance Festival Audience Award. Stop by an check out the film in its entirety, as patrons get the chance to win free DVDs and promotional material.

Starting today at the newest location of Adidas' Y-3 store, 150 NE 40th St., Design District, you can view a large outdoor video installation featuring the works of John Baldessari, Phyllis Baldino, Michael Bell-Smith, Dan Graham, Ursula Hodel, Joan Jonas, Shigeko Kubota, Takeshi Murata, Lawrence Weiner, and others. The display will run of the store's second floor balcony on an LED video wall from noon to 11 p.m. Cocktail reception will be held on Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m.

A reception for the Avant Gallery, 1680 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach, will take place tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. The opening exhibit is called The Luxe Life featuring works by Piero Fornasetti, Arik Levy, Alessandro Mendini, Verner Panton, Gaetano Pesce, Karim Rashid, Mimmo Rotella and Marcel Wanders.

After trekking through the various openings in Wynwood stop by Circa28 where ArtOfficial will be playing live and kicking off the venue's daily line-up of live acts and DJs stopping making Circa28 the unofficial Wynwood hangout during Art Basel.

Back at the beach, Zing Magazine holds it down at Rokbar with DJs Olympia Le Tan, Ben Brunnermer, Spencer Sweeney and Monzieur Moru. Rokbar's door staff can be... well a bitch, but persistence pays off here. Trusts.

Oh and for those lucky few Vernissage Art Basel Miami Beach is tonight as well. Only way you are getting in is if you are VIP or press (unfortunately they don't qualify MiamiNight's as press).

Feel free to comment if you know of anything else going on tonight as well! 

I'm back bitches on special assignment for Miami Nights. Gasp! I know, I quit unceremoniously back in July, not giving much of a reason. But what was I supposed to do? Giving up the goodies on Biscayne Boulevard just to line Lackner's pockets was getting a little old -- and penicillin wasn't controlling the flare ups anymore. Anyway, I'm hard at work with my own projects that I was hoping would be done by the end of this year, however, it probably won't see the light of day until 2008. So what is a struggling writer to do when the biggest fall event is about to hit Miami? Come groveling back of course!

Yes kiddies, Duran is back, but not really. I will be doing special Art Basel coverage for the site. And if you remember my Art Basel posts last year, including my HI-larious Idiot's Guide to Art Basel, the only thing I love more than free booze and freshly powdered noses are pretentious art events. So watch out for tomorrow, when I will tell you the Art Basel must-dos and better-off-dead events for next week.

Rest assured, you shall be amused! 

The winter acceleration of Miami nightlife continues apace. Tonight is the debut of Circuit @ Grass in the Miami Design District, a new upscale open format party leaning toward hip hop and soul, featuring DJ Epps (from 103.5 The Beat, Shadyville, G-Unit) and friend of the site Push Button Objects. This should be an interesting party so click here for the flyer. I'm not 100% sure if it's actually invite only or not; I'll find out. If it is that would be an interesting experiment. I feel that invite only is the way of the future. Too many broke creeps wandering around.

Grass is located at 28 NE 40th Street in the Miami Design District, downtown.

Tonight is the launch of the first major party at the reopened Grass Lounge. Alfredo U., known for his successful effort at Karu + Y on Saturday, is targeting hip urban professionals with a mix of open format and hiphop. Dress pretty and come out around 11pm; we'll be there taking pictures. Grass Lounge is located at 28 NE 40th Street in the Design District.

I heard some interesting rumors over the weekend about whats brewing at Grass Lounge in the Miami Design District. Disclaimer: I don't usually follow whats going on at this spot as it never really fit my groove any of the times I went, so this may be old news. Apparently they're setting up a second, inside room featuring a private shower  (that's overdue) and a unique dinner menu that countermands whats available in the sweaty outdoor space along with contrasting music. Seems like some pretty novel idea that might break out of the standard nightclub mold. I pray that this brings back some of the spark to the Design District. If anyone has any authoritative info let it drop - anonymously if you'd like.

It's fresh and new!

I don't necessarily know if this is open to everyone (you've got to RSVP, I know that much), but hey, it's in my inbox and it doesn't say anything otherwise. The Puma Spring 2008 preview will be held tonight at Ice Palace Studios in the Design District. Doors open at 9 p.m., show starts at 9:30. You must be 21+ to attend (clear sign that there is probably free booze involved). The list is probably closed, but if you know the right person (I would suggest you call them now) or are somebody (aren't we all though?), you can probably finagle your way in.

For those who haven't heard yet, I've given up drinking. For now, I suppose. I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle, and it's bad enough I go out almost every night of the week. Well my new found sobriety now allows me to wake up a decent hour. Hence why I am excited when events like Kraftworks gives me something to do to fill the void now that I no longer sleep until 2 p.m.

This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., everyone's favorite thrift/clothes exchange store Rag Trade Happy Clothing Co. is hosting Kraftworks, an open-air market featuring local artisans and craftspeople. Stephanie, owner of Rag Trade, informed me there will be airbrushing, Mongolian cluster painting (WTF?), a book exchange, a massage table, origami classes and more. You can also peruse around the store which is be having a "hot fire sale" according to Stephanie. And there will be music too, provided by DJs Lolo (Sweat Records/Circa Saturdays), Kentsoundz, Some Jerk, Madame Turk, Rachel Goodrich and Rabbit in the Hat.

And for those who don't know, Rag Trade is located in the Design District at 4600 NE 2nd Ave.

Ray Milian, of Off The Radar fame, returns to his old digs at Amendment XXI with Robot Rock next Thursday, July 19. But don't let the name of the party fool you, Ray insists this party is going to steer away from the electro/house music overtaking a lot of the Downtown and Wynwood parties and go back to the basics -- good ol' rock. He cites that lack of play of some great recent rock albums as the reason behind the party. Resident DJs will include Ray as well as Asimov along with rotating guest DJs.

Might be fun to check out, and I haven't been to Amendment XXI in ages so I might stop by next week. What I like about the place is that it's very loungy, drink prices are fair for Miami and the place doesn't try to be cool, it just is. So if you haven't been to it, this party might be the perfect excuse to finally make the trip. It's located at 190 NE 45 St., Design District, if you didn't know already.

GenArt’s Shop Miami 2007 was a romp of good time. I bought a dress from Wilster. First time buying something off the rack in years! I would have bought more but my sugar daddy had taken the night off. I jest, of course. I enjoyed everything except the open bar. Rum. Beer. Hey, I have nothing against those who dig that sort of thing – but the Lady drinks vodka – on the rocks. There was no vodka at this party - which didn't hinder my good time whatsoever. I applaud GenArt's efforts of hoisting new designers into the limelight. It's nice to see artists get the attention and payoff they deserve. My only suggestion for next year is to try and land Grey Goose as a sponsor.

By far the most inspiring designer (that I met – I'm sure there was more) was Nazly Villamizar. Born in Colombia she designs beautiful handbags using the materials and labor from her own country. She told me she feels proud of being able to provide jobs for her people. Is this woman in fashion? What a breath of fresh air to finally meet someone who's focus is on improving the lives of those she employs. To top it off, the craftsmanship of Villamizar bags are impeccable - a testament to the fact that those in the garment industry can make money and make a difference at the same time.

Photography by Jipsy

Tonight is the GEN ART/Perrier Shop Miami extravaganza at the Moore Building in the Design District. For those of you arriving early to purchase tickets at the door, please remember that VIP guests start shopping at 6 p.m.. The rest of us can show up at 7 p.m. to peruse the wares of over 40 emerging fashion designers. Perhaps take in a spa treatment as well. VIP tickets are $30/advance; $40/door and include first dibs, spa treatments and free drinks; regular tickets are $10/advance; $20/door and include just spa treatments and free drinks. No matter what time you show up, one thing is certain, you can get drunk on the house and look divine all at the same time.

The only thing that could get the Lady back to writing for Miami Nights was the promise of a sample sale.

On Friday, June 15, from 7 p.m – 11 p.m. the Moore Building, 4040 NE 2nd Ave., Design District, opens its doors to present the GEN ART and Perrier Shop Miami 2007!

This 4 hour shopping award tour will feature the works of 40 emerging GENART designers. Each artist will be selling their wears to the public. Friday is June 15 and if you’re like me, you get paid that day. At least I know where I'll be spending my time and money on Friday. Shirts last a lot longer than cocktails – which will be complimentary, by the way with the purchase of a general admission ticket ($10 in advance/$20 at the door). This ticket also buys you access to relaxing spa treatments! If you want to go early and be considered VIP the tickets are $30 in advance/$40 at the door.

Ok you may not be Lackner's illegitimate, but you are still uncultured. Yep, despite Miami being a cultural melting pot, the Herald reports when it comes to those quirky foreign language and art films that roll our way, ticket sales are comparable to that of a small college town instead of big metropolitan city. The biggest dilemma is movie producers can't figure out why. Attendance at the Miami Film Festival is at an all time high, Miami Beach Cinematheque is garnering national attention, and Portland-based Living Room Theaters is open a multiscreen arthouse in the Design District next year, even though chains like AMC and Regal in Miami already devote some of their screen time to foreign and art films.

Regal goes out to point out that when it decided to show Shortbus, that porno masked as a movie, last year at its Lincoln Road theater (the only Regal theater to do so), it was a huge disappointment, despite South Beach being rather sexually permissive and its gay population.

So why isn't Miami giving producers bigger ticket sales? Let's discuss.

• The Miami Herald "S. Florida proves lukewarm for art films"